Benzema set to stay at Gerland

Even though a number of big European clubs have been linked with a move for Karim Benzema, it seems that the excellent striker will stay at Lyon for another year. Lyon’s president Jean Michelle Aulas is adamant that Benzema will not leave the club this summer after speaking with the player’s agent. Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea are among the teams interested in the 21-year-old but Aulas claims that the interested parties will have to wait at least until after the World Cup in South Africa. 

This has been one of the most disappointing seasons in club’s recent history, since Bordeaux ended their domestic dominance, while they were also far from impressive in Europe. The team stayed without long serving playmaker Juninho at the end of the season and no wonder that Aulas is doing everything he can to keep Benzema at the club for as long as possible. The president is confident that he will succeed in his intention, especially after the conversation he had with player’s agent.

“It is logical that clubs are watching him. We are talking about a great player and he has a great future in front of him,” said Aulas.

“Karim Benzema wants to be at Lyon because he feels the club and this is his home. That has nothing to do with a figure of money.

“He has a long career ahead of him and I think he will star in the 2010 World Cup finals. He is growing fast and we are very happy with him. He has helped us a lot and is a reference point in the team.

“What I can assure everyone is that Benzema will be at Lyon next season. From what I know, I think he will be here for the next two years,” he added.

Aulas is obviously aware that selling Benzema would be a step in the wrong direction now that the club are facing difficult times and he will try to persuade him to stay on for another year, while at the same time the president is trying to reinforce the squad. Patrick Vieria, Alexander Hleb and Nene are just some of the targets and it is clear that ambitious president Aulas will sign at least a couple of new players. As it now stands, Benzema seems to be staying but all that could change if the right offer comes in.

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